United States
Arizona (AZ)
Clarkdale
Things to Do in Clarkdale
Verde Canyon Railroad
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Verde Canyon Railroad

See all things to do
See all things to do
Verde Canyon Railroad
4.5
2,416
#2 of 12 Outdoor Activities in Clarkdale
Scenic Railroads • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Rail Tours
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8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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About
This Southwestern adventure takes passengers on a ride through Arizona’s backcountry, only accessible from the comfort of this train. This legendary “boutique” attraction allows an uncommon view of a red-rock canyon. The luxurious four-hour excursion is presented by staff who absolutely love what they do. Verde Canyon Railroad is the only excursion train in the Southwest which offers every guest two seats for the price of one: inside viewing through large panoramic windows in all coaches and 360-degree views from open-air viewing cars attached to each coach. Individually packaged appetizers and complimentary champagne, or sparkling cider toast, are served upon boarding. Full cash bar service is available in any class. As the train passes “through” a grand canyon celebrate incomparable scenery, high-desert flora and fauna, historic trestles, dramatic geology, unusual rock formations and passage through a century-old, 734-foot tunnel.
Clarkdale, Arizona
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2022
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Tours and Tickets by Verde Canyon Railroad
Travelers talk about
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(137 reviews)
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,416 reviews
Excellent
1,590
Very good
561
Average
179
Poor
60
Terrible
27
aliciastuart59
Kankakee, IL96 contributions
Awesome experience!
Mar 2021 • Couples
My husband and I purchased First Class tickets for 3/12/2021. The train cars are uniquely named and we were assigned the Yuma cabin. I highly recommend traveling in twos, as these are the best seats for indoor viewing. If you are traveling with 3 or more your indoor views will be limited. The outdoor train car is a great selling point, and you can stay out there the entirety of your ride if you choose. The alcoholic beverages were reasonable priced, and you get one hefty snack plate per person (included grapes, strawberries, fruit dip, cheese, crackers, and a brownie). The train car attendants were nice and knowledgeable about the area, and pointed out points of interest along the way. It was chilly and did snow, but we still enjoyed our ride and went outside periodically.
Written March 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
TraingalVCRR
Thank you for choosing Verde Canyon Railroad and we are so glad you enjoyed your experience.
Written March 16, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
RONDA J
4 contributions
Breathtaking & Educational
Sep 2022 • Couples
WOW, what a spectacular event! My husband & I had a wonderful time including this in our 41th wedding anniversary trip to AZ. We had THE best narrator possible too, a mature gentleman who was a former teacher with a vast knowledge & love of history in the area and abroad. I wish I could recall his name to give him kudos. He, the other staff & our seatmates from South Dakota made our day amazing with the breathtaking extensive scenic, comfortable seating and ability to freely roam to and from the open air car for a full view to take it all in and get wonderful pics. To our surprise we were each served a wonderful freshly-made snack of a variety of delicious meats, cheeses, fruits & brownies at our "reserved" plush seats. Full bar service is available in every car for purchases. Bottled water is provided throughout the trip along with a champagne/apple cider toast once aboard. Upon our return we started telling everyone about it they could experience this amazing adventure as well. In fact, already booked again with a friend for my birthday because it's that great of an experience . If you enjoy doing something different, fun & relaxing don't miss out on this great opportunity. This company also offers AARP and AAA discounts which is a plus at this stage in life.
Written November 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
TrainGall
We LOVE hearing about our passenger experiences. Your review brings a smile to us all. Our staff is amazing and the truly love what they do. We hope we will see you again. Thank you.
Written November 4, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Speck411
Virginia Beach, VA265 contributions
Verde Canyon Railroad Wilderness Route
Mar 2020
We were on an arranged tour with Premier Group and the Wilderness ride was offered as a tour as part of the package. The railroad offers a number of different tours that vary in length and where they begin and end. I recommend you contact the Verde Canyon railroad in advance to find out what route is available on the day you wish to go. Our trip was along the area around the Grand Canyon and went to the end of their tracks and then returned to the station. There were guides along to point out the important points you did not want to miss and they had an open car that you could stand in that gave you a complete 360 view. The trains cars are from the 1930's to 1940s. They are all different and are well kept and comfortable. They have a bar tender in most cars and offer some additional food depending on the trip. You can buy food at the station before you leave if you wish. The scenery is beautiful and you do see varied wildlife depending on the time of day. We saw Mule Deer, some hawks, and a fox. It was a on and off rainy day with some fog which makes wildlife more difficult to see. Overall it was beautiful trip and I am sure you will enjoy it. The crew were very professional and talked to you about what preparations are performed before the trip each day including for example a complete pre-run of the trip route to look for boulders, fallen trees etc. on the tracks. I am sure you will learn a lot on the trip and highly recommend it for parents interested in acquainting children with the outdoors etc.
Written March 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
TrainGall
Thank you so much for sharing this. We love hearing about our trip/services from the perspective of our guests.
Written March 27, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
PAUL W
Woking, England, United Kingdom48 contributions
RAILROAD ADVENTURE
Jul 2022
This is something completely different on your vacation. It is inspiring from when you first set sight on the blue locos and 1/2 mile train. Really comfortable inside and fully air conditioned. Plenty of food & drink available. The major sights are on the first half of the journey but we had a guide who was full of wierd and wonderful information. Loved the open carriages. Cost about $130 for 4 1/2 hours .
Written August 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
TrainGall
Thank you Paul, for your wonderful review. While the actual train ride is just under 4 hours, we hope your time spent at the train depot, prior to boarding, included a visit to our museum.
Written August 21, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kkoleary
Scottsdale, AZ840 contributions
Highly Recommend
Oct 2020 • Couples
I really enjoyed our trip. Booked first class ticket to have less people in train car. Surprised at the other benefits of a snack so large it was a meal in itself plus a full time bar tender who served us in our seats. We had a outdoor viewing car shared with just one other car so never crowded.
Reason for missing 5th star is Covid concerns. Our coach was at approx 50% and masks not required. With poor ventilation a 3.5 hour trip with 30 maskless strangers left us uncomfortable. Luckily the open air car connected to our coach was perfect and we spent the entire trip outside enjoying the beautiful scenery. Seats not as cushy but experience so much better. Everyone who came outside was respectful of distance and wore masks.
Written October 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
TrainGall
Thank you for this wonderful review but also for letting us know we need to step up our efforts to protect all of our guests. This will be addressed in our weekly meeting.
Written October 12, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
AHawk61
Green Valley, AZ88 contributions
Perfect train day!
Dec 2020
Myself and two of my friends took this wonderful 3.5 hour train ride through the Verde Canyon today 12/15/20. Five star event. We were in the Yuma car, a first class car- of which I was told they all are except for 2 of them. Comfortable sofa seating, very clean, nice bathroom also clean, nice bar and bar tender, friendly Michelle. Adjacent outdoor car open only to the Yuma, at least on this day. We had an included champagne toast at departure and were given an ample and fresh assortment of pre boxed snack. The train cars were decorated so lovely for Christmas with lights and balls & trains! The scenery is beautiful , the tunnel exhilarating -more so on the way back. Stopping to move the engine to the other end for the return trip was interesting and we learned that the last 20 min of the movie How the West was Won was filmed right there! My two favorite things overall was the amazing soundtrack played throughout the journey- all train themed music from all generations and all genres. Someone worked very hard to put that soundtrack together. AND my second equally fav thing was our car hostess Joy Marie. She loves her job, and therefore is extremely involved with her guests and making sure we all saw the important rock formations and heard all the history of the train engines and cars, landscape & geology. The way it’s set up is like you’re on a private train tour with your hostess because it’s just us in the car with her, laughing and learning and dancing! One on one attention for all on board. It’s as if the rest of the train cars of guests don’t exist and it’s truly enjoyable. She really enhanced the whole experience for the Yuma car. Can’t thank her enough! True asset to the company. I’m sure max numbers per car are down due to COVID but that actually made it better! All wore masks when in the car except when eating or drinking. On the airy and chilly outdoor viewing car many unmasked. I mention this just so you know how it goes. The Depot was also lovely with a nice gift shop, snack bar for lunch , small train museum and other things to see & do. Top notch experience that we recommend for a relaxing day of beauty & knowledge.
Written December 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
TrainGall
WOW! We certainly appreciate this wonderful review and we will make sure Joy Marie receives a big shout out for her service. We are certainly fortunate to have her.
Written December 20, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Greg H
Green Bay, WI51 contributions
A fun day on the rails
May 2021
We had a great time riding the Verde Canyon Railroad. We rode in first class which got us a nice snack box. Service was wonderful. Out attendant was very attentive, mixed great margaritas. The guide on the open air platform was very informative about the locations we passed by. A scenic trip through the back country of AZ.
If you like trains, you'll like this ride!
Written June 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
TraingalVCRR
Thank you. We are very fortunate to be able to share this Canyon.
Written June 2, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Joanne
1 contribution
Great trip and beautiful scenery.
Feb 2021 • Couples
We enjoyed the train ride and the outdoor cars are a great way to view the scenery. We sat in first class and the food and staff were great. I would have gave it five stars but noone but the staff wore mask or practiced social distancing. They stress on the confirmation if you don't want to wear a mask to consider booking at a future date. I can see not wearing a mask while eating and drinking but to let people walk on board without one on was disappointing. The staff and the depot go out of their way to make it safe for the customers then the customers should have the same respect.
Written February 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
TrainGall
If you wouldn't mind sharing some clarification, we would appreciate asking you a question. Please email us at info@verdecanyonrr.com if you are willing to speak with me. Or, you can text or call me at 602-316-9887. Thank you, Teresa
Written February 13, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bruce L
92 contributions
Must see attraction!
Jan 2020
We booked first class tickets which gave us very comfortable seating with complimentary food and cash bar services, next to an open air viewing car which we also had access to.
The train proceeds slowly so there is very little rocking motion and plenty of opportunity to admire the scenery and take pictures.
One criticism is the pa system narration was impossible to hear, however our knowledgeable guides were able to answer every question.
We felt arriving 2 hours prior was a bit excessive, even after a snack and enjoying the story boards and mini museum there was about an hour of waiting time.
The history and scenery are amazing!
If you have time and are coming from the Phoenix area, do drive at least one way through the Teton forest... more great scenery and a relaxing ride!
Written February 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
TrainGall
Thank you so much for sharing your experience.
Written February 7, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kaycee54494
Wisconsin Rapids, WI18 contributions
Verde Canyon Railroad
Feb 2020 • Friends
We found this trip on a list of things to do in the Sedona area if it was raining. The train station area is well appointed with a small museum, gift shop, and cafe. Coach class seating was comfortable. Beverages and snacks were available for purchase but you can also bring your own snacks. Each car has a small bathroom. You can remain in the climate-controlled car or go out to an open air car. The train moves slowly through the Verde River valley and then returns along the same track. Car hosts share highlights along the way. Great scenery. We saw an eagle and cattle along the way. We enjoyed the trip though it might get long for young children.

Two tips...sit on the right side for best views. The seats flip so that you won't be sitting backward on the return trip. Also, if you are prone to motion sickness, you might want to take a Dramamine along, just in case.
Written February 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
TrainGall
Thank you Kaycee54494 for sharing your experience.
Written February 25, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Verde Canyon Railroad (Clarkdale) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go